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STRENGTHENING DIASPORA PARTNERSHIPS IN HOSPITALITY-EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES AND COLLABORATION IN MINNESOTA, USA

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Wednesday, June 4, 2025(MINNESOTA, USA)__Ms. Irene Karari, Director and Head of the Skills & Expertise Division, held in-depth discussions with Mr. Dillon Donnelly, Workforce Development/Hospitality lead in Minnesota, USA, to explore new opportunities for Kenyan hospitality professionals under the expanded H-2B visa program.

The meeting focused on Kenya’s strategic potential to help address Minnesota’s acute labor shortages, particularly in the hospitality sector, while advancing structured diaspora employment frameworks.

Ms. Karari underscored Kenya’s strong hospitality training infrastructure and the international experience of its graduates, noting that Kenyan professionals are already excelling in top-tier hospitality establishments in the UK, Middle East, and across Africa.

She pointed to Kenya’s successful track record with seasonal employment programs, such as the UK agricultural worker initiative that has placed around 3,000 Kenyan workers, as evidence of the country’s commitment to well-structured international labor mobility.

The discussion also highlighted Minnesota’s dedication to fair and respectful employment practices, with comprehensive worker protections that align with Kenya’s emphasis on dignified international employment.

To further strengthen these partnerships and deepen mutual understanding, Ms. Karari proposed organizing exploratory visits for Minnesota employers to tour Kenya’s hospitality training institutions and leading hotel facilities, including game lodges and international hotel chains staffed by Kenyan professionals.